System for mixing and dispensing a beverage

ABSTRACT

A system for mixing and dispensing a beverage is provided including a disposable pod containing a solute therein, inflow puncturing cap defining a plurality of spikes extending therefrom, an outflow puncturing cap defining a plurality of puncturing spikes extending therefrom and a translation mechanism for receiving the pod, translating the inflow puncturing cap towards the pod to puncture the pod upper surface and seat the pod proximate the outflow cap spikes. Heated, pressurized solvent fluid is injected into the pod, wherein the solvent and solute mix, causing the pod lower surface to expand against, and be punctured by the outflow puncturing cap spikes. The pod material, and pod thickness may be selected to allow puncture of the pod lower surface after a preferred brewing period has occurred.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

Field of Invention

The invention relates to the preparation of a food/beverage product forhuman consumption. In particular, the invention relates to afood/beverage product cartridge that enhances the preparation of foodand beverage by promoting mixing between the food/beverage product and afluid within the cartridge. The invention is suitable in particular forthe preparation of a beverage in an automatic brewing machine.

Background of the Invention

There are numerous devices designed to prepare a single serving of afood product or beverage. In particular, disposable containerscontaining coffee grounds are suitable for automatic beverage machines.The automatic beverage machine typically contains a relatively largereservoir of fluid solvent compared to the volume of the disposablecontainer. First, the disposable container with the beverage solute isplaced within the beverage machine, as an example in a brewing chamber.Next, the beverage machine punctures the disposable container creatingorifices in the container lining. The fluid solvent flows (atpre-determined temperature, pressure and flow rate) through the orificesand mixes with solute inside the disposable container, generating a foodproduct or beverage such as a cup of coffee or cappuccino. This methodof mixing fluid through punctured orifices inside a disposable containercan introduce preferential flow paths that result in insufficientmixing. This wastes the unmixed food product within the container andnegatively affects the taste. Attempts to overcome these shortcomingshave been met with indifferent success. One such construction increasesthe flow pressure of the fluid entering the disposable container topromote further mixing. However, the increased flow pressure may causecoagulation of certain food product such the curdling of milk andcoagulation of milk proteins. Another construction decreases the sizeand or number of orifices in the disposable container lining to restrictthe exiting flow and prolong the mixing process to promote furthermixing. Such constructions can result in slow flow rate of the beverageoutflow or a prolonged contact of the fluid solvent with the foodproduct in the cartridge, negatively affecting the beverage taste.

Therefore, an object of this invention is to improve the mixing processwithin the disposable container for an automatic beverage to enhance thetaste of the beverage or food product.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved disposablecontainer shape that encourages static eddies in the flow entering thedisposable container.

A further object of this invention is to provide a multiple-stage methodof puncturing the container lining to prolong the mixing process withinthe disposable container.

A further object of this invention is to puncture the disposablecontainer with spikes of differing number, orientation, and dimensionsto minimize preferential flow paths.

A further object of this invention is to extract the beverage and orfood product from the disposable container without causing coagulationof the food product.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved disposablecontainer that is sealed against contamination.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved disposablecontainer which maintains its structural integrity even when expandedand dually penetrated for inflow and outflow.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved disposablecontainer made of a polymer of a thickness that safely expands, underpredetermined temperature and pressure, to facilitate containerpuncturing for beverage dispensing.

BRIEF SUMMARY

A system for mixing and dispensing a beverage is provided including adisposable pod containing a solute therein, an inflow puncturing capdefining a plurality of spikes extending therefrom, an outflowpuncturing cap defining a plurality of puncturing spikes extendingtherefrom and a translation mechanism for receiving the pod, translatingthe inflow puncturing cap towards the pod to puncture the pod uppersurface and seat the pod proximate the outflow cap spikes. Heated,pressurized solvent fluid is injected into the pod, wherein the solventand solute mix, causing the pod lower surface to expand against, and bepunctured by the outflow puncturing cap spikes. The pod material, andpod thickness may be selected to allow puncture of the pod lower surfaceafter a preferred brewing period has occurred.

In one embodiment the pod comprises a pierceable pod top and pod bodydefining sidewalls having a concave inner surface, and a base. The basepreferably defines a base conical inward protrusion to facilitatealignment of the pod relative to the outflows puncturing cap. The baselower surface may be formed to extend concentrically about the podcentral conical protrusion. A base outer rim may be formed to extendconcentrically about the central conical protrusion, intermediate thebase lower surface and the sidewalls.

The inflow puncturing cap may be formed to have first and secondsurfaces, and a plurality of solvent fluid receiving conduits extendingtherethrough. The inflow puncturing cap first surface may define aplurality puncturing spikes extending therefrom. The inflow puncturingcap may further define a plurality fluid distribution conduits extendingacross the inflow puncturing cap first surface, to distribute fluidreceived from one or more of the inflow puncturing cap fluiddistribution conduits.

The outflow puncturing cap spikes may be formed to define inner channelfluid channels extending through the spikes. As the pod swells inresponse to receipt of the heated, pressurized solvent, the pod lowersurface expands against the outflow puncturing cap spikes such that thespikes puncture the pod lower surface, and fluid within pod may bedischarged through the spike channels, into a fluid discharge conduit.

The translation mechanism may be formed to define a pod receiving areafor receiving the pod, an inflow puncturing cap receiving apparatus forreceiving and supporting the inflow puncturing cap and an outflowpuncturing cap housing for receiving and supporting the outflowpuncturing cap. The outflow puncturing cap housing may define a podseating surface for seating the pod such that the pod lower surface isdisposed proximate the outflow puncturing cap spikes. The translationmechanism may further define a solvent infusion port in fluidcommunication with the inflow puncturing cap fluid conduits, forcommunicating the heated pressurized fluid solvent into the pod. Thetranslation mechanism may further define a linkage assembly,mechanically coupled to the inflow puncturing cap, receiving apparatus,for translating the inflow puncturing cap between a first position,wherein the inflow puncturing cap spikes are outside of the pod, and asecond position, wherein the inflow puncturing cap spikes puncture thepod top and the pod top rim abuts the pod seating surface. The periodbetween the puncturing the pod top to allow heated pressurized fluid toenter the pod, and puncturing the pod lower surface, to allow the heatedpressurized fluid to be discharged from the pod, may define the brewingperiod, which may be selected in accordance with a brewing requirementof a particular beverage.

In one embodiment, the pod base lower surface and sidewalls may beformed of materials selected to be permeable when subject to a desiredfluid solvent temperature and pressure level for the brewing period.

In one embodiment the pod lower surface and sidewalls may be formed of athermoplastic material that is approximately 900 microns thick.

In one embodiment the translation mechanism may further include a podresilient guide member. The guide member may be formed to bedisplaceable upon insertion of the pod into the pod receiving area, tofacilitate orientation of the pod within the pod receiving area.

The resilient guide member may further facilitate disengaging the podfrom the inflow puncturing cap spikes, after the beverage has beendischarged from the pod, and the inflow puncturing cap is retractedtowards its initial position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodimentsdisclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the followingdescription and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like partsthroughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary disposable pod,inflow puncturing cap, and outflow puncturing cap, according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the disposable pod depicting fluid flowthrough the pod;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the disposable pod, with the top removed;

FIG. 2C is a side of the disposable pod after the inflow of heated,pressurized fluid has caused bulging of the pod sidewalls and the podlower surface;

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of an exemplary inflow puncturingcap;

FIG. 3B is a front view of the inflow puncturing cap;

FIG. 3C is a side view of the inflow puncturing cap:

FIG. 3D is a bottom view of the inflow puncturing cap;

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of an exemplary outflow puncturingcap;

FIG. 4B is a front view of the outflow puncturing cap;

FIG. 4C is a side view of the outflow puncturing cap;

FIG. 4D is a further side view of the inflow puncturing cap, showingfluid channels formed in the spikes;

FIG. 4E is a bottom view of the outflow puncturing cap;

FIG. 5 is front perspective view of an exemplary translation mechanism;

FIG. 6A is a side view of the translation mechanism with the translationmechanism housing separate to show internal portions of the translationmechanism;

FIG. 6B is an exploded view of an exemplary inflow puncturing capreceiving apparatus;

FIG. 6C is a front perspective view of an exemplary outflow puncturingcap housing;

FIG. 7A is a side sectional view of the translation mechanism showing apod placed therein;

FIG. 7B is a side sectional view of the translation mechanism whereinthe pod is translated into a position with the pod lower surfacedisposed proximate the outflow puncturing cap;

FIG. 7C is a side sectional view of the translation mechanism where thepod lower surface has been expanded by infusion of heated, pressurizedfluid, causing the pod lower surface to be punctured by the outflowpuncturing cap spikes;

FIG. 7D is a side sectional view of the translation mechanism, showingthe pod retracted from the outflow puncturing cap housing and disengagedfrom the inflow puncturing caps;

FIG. 7E is a side sectional view of the translation mechanism, showingthe pod being discharged from the translating mechanism;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the pod in a pre-fluid infusion state;and

FIG. 8B is a side view of the pod in a post fluid infusion state after,the pod lower surface has been punctured.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation.Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devisevariations that are within the scope and spirit of the inventiondisclosed herein, including various ways of seating and/or translatingthe inflow and/or outflow puncturing caps, in order to infuse anddischarge fluid from the pod. The construction of the pod, as well asthe temperature and pressure of the fluid injected into the pod may alsovary as useful to facilitate brewing a particular beverage. Further, thevarious features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone,or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to belimited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope ofthe claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary disposablepod 20, an inflow puncturing cap 50, and an outflow puncturing cap 70,in accordance with the present invention. The pod 20 may include avariety of different solutes, such as coffee, espresso, cappuccino,soluble milk, soluble chocolate, etc., sealed with the pod body 23. Thepod top 22 defines a pod top surface 32 and a pod top rim 24.

Referring to FIG. 2, the pod body 23 defines sidewalls 25 which define aconcave inner surface 27, and a pod base 29. The pod base 29 defines abase lower surface 33 and a base outer rim 35, extending about the baselower surface intermediate the base lower surface and the sidewalls. Thepod base 29 further defines an inward protrusion 31, which facilitatesalignment of the pod with the outflow puncturing cap protrusion 75.

The pod upper surface 32 is preferably formed of a foil or othermaterial that seals the pod for storage, but permits puncturing by theinflow puncturing cap spikes 53 to allow infusion of fluid into the pod.

As explained further below, the pod body 23 is formed of materials suchas polypropylene, which, in specified thicknesses, will allow puncturingby the outflow puncturing cap when the pod swells in response toinfusion of a pressurized heated fluid. In one embodiment, the pod bodyis approximately 900 microns thick and the solvent fluid is heated to atemperature of approximately 90° C., and pressurized to approximately217 psi.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the inflow puncturing cap 50 is illustrated.The inflow puncturing cap 50 includes a first surface 51 and an secondsurface 53. The first surface 51 defines a plurality of puncturingspikes 57, extending therefrom. The inflow cap puncturing spikes 57 areeffective to puncture the pod top surface 32, as described furtherbelow.

The inflow puncturing cap 50 further includes a plurality of solventfluid receiving conduits 55 extending therethrough. The inflowpuncturing cap first surface 51 further defines a plurality of fluiddistribution conduits 58, extending from the fluid receiving conduits 55across the inflow puncturing cap first surface. The fluid distributionconduits 28 are each in fluid communication with at least one of thefluid inflow cap fluid receiving conduits 55, to facilitate distributionof the solvent flow 101 across the pod top surface 32.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, an output puncturing cap 70 is shown toinclude a first surface 71 and a second surface 73. A plurality ofpuncturing spikes 77 extend from the outflow puncturing cap firstsurface 71. In the presently preferred embodiment, the outflowpuncturing cap spikes 77 define a spike internal conduit 79 extendingtherethrough. The spike internal channels 79 define a spike fluid entryport 81 and spike fluid discharge port 83.

In one embodiment the outflow puncturing cap 70 further defines anoutflow puncturing cap residual fluid discharge conduit 84 for receivingfluid flow discharged from the pod through the pod fluid discharge portsformed in the pod lower surface, after being punctured by the spikes 77.

As described further below, when the spikes 77 puncture the pod lowersurface 33, fluid may be discharged from the pod through the spikeconduits 79. Additional fluid is released through the resultingpunctures in the pod lower surface may be discharged through theresidual conduit 84 formed in the outflow puncturing cap 70. Spikeconduit 79 and residual discharge conduit 84 are each in fluidcommunication with an outflow puncturing cap housing fluid dischargeconduit 86, as further shown at FIGS. 6C and 7E.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, fluid flow into and through the pod20 is further illustrated. As shown at FIG. 2A, fluid flow 101 entersthe pod 20 through apertures formed by the input flow puncturing spikes57. Fluid flow within the pod 20 includes, inter alia, a downward fluidflow 114 and redirected fluid flow 117. The fluid flow 117 is redirectedby the shape of the pod internal sidewalls 27 to flow at angledownwardly, along the pod sidewalls 27, until the fluid flow reaches arecess area 37, at which point the flow 117 is redirected upwardly andacross the pod interior, intersecting other flows through the pod suchas the downward flow 114 and flows about the protrusion 31. Theredirection of the fluid flow, and intersection of other fluid flows isuseful to facilitate the mixture of the solute and solvent within thepod 20. In practice, the shape of the sidewalls 25 and the shape of therecess 37, in conjunction with fluid temperature and pressure levels,have been found to be cooperative to eliminate static flow areas withinthe pod 20 wherein the solvent and solute do not mix. The intersectionof the redirected flow 117 and other flows within the pod 20, such asthe downward flow 114 has been found to eliminate any dominant fluidflow patterns within the pod 20 to further facilitate full mixture ofthe solute and solvent within the pod 20.

After fluid infusion into the pod has occurred, the interior of pod 20effectively serves as brewing chamber 28, wherein coffee or otherbeverages may be brewed prior to puncture of the pod lower surface andfluid discharge from the pod 20.

An important feature of the present invention relates to the ability ofthe present invention to facilitate full brewing of a beverage withinthe brewing chamber 28, before the pod lower surface 33 is punctured bythe output flow puncturing cap spikes 77.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2C, it can be noted that the original shape ofthe pod, as shown at FIG. 2A, is modified by the injection of heated,pressurized fluid, as shown at FIG. 2C. A comparison of FIGS. 2A and 2Cshows that upon injection of heated, pressurized fluid into the pod, thepod sidewalls 29 may expand, or attempt to expand outwardly and the podlower surface 33 expands downwardly, to be substantially flat, as shownin FIG. 2C.

As explained further below, the pod lower surface 33 also expands to besubstantially flat, causing the pod lower surface 33 to abut against theoutput flow puncturing spikes 77, resulting in puncturing of the podlower surface 33 and discharge of fluid from the pod.

FIGS. 5 and 6A-6C illustrate an exemplary translation mechanism 100,operative to receive pod 20 in a pod receiving area 103. As furthershown at FIGS. 5, 6A-6C and 7A-7E, the translating mechanism 100includes a translation mechanism housing 114, inflow puncturing capreceiving apparatus 105 and an outflow puncturing cap housing 104,disposed within the translation mechanism housing 114. The translationmechanism 100 further includes translating handle 110 and the linkageassembly 112, coupled to the translating handle 110, and inflowpuncturing cap receiving apparatus 105, and operative to translate theinflow puncturing cap 105 between a first position, wherein the inflowpuncturing cap spikes are disposed outside of the pod (See FIG. 7A) anda second position wherein the inflow puncturing cap spikes havepunctured the pod top surface 32 and the pod rim 24 abuts the podseating surface 109 (See FIG. 7B).

FIG. 6B illustrates the translatable inflow puncturing cap receivingapparatus 105 for receiving and engaging the input flow puncturing cap50. The inflow puncturing cap receiving apparatus 105 is also shown atFIG. 6A, in conjunction with the translation mechanism 100.

The inflow puncturing cap apparatus 105 includes an inflow puncturingcap housing 106 for receiving and supporting the inflow puncturing cap50, and an inflow puncturing cap retaining member 108, for securing theinflow puncturing cap 50 in place against the inflow puncturing caphousing 106.

FIG. 6C further illustrates the outflow puncturing cap housing 107. Asshown therein, outflow puncturing cap housing 107 defines a surface 118,for receiving and supporting the outflow puncturing cap 70, and a well104 for receiving the pod 20. The outflow puncturing cap housing 107also defines a pod seating surface 109 for receiving and supporting thepod 20 along the pod top rim 24.

The outflow puncturing cap 70 further defines an outflow puncturing capresidual fluid discharge conduit 84, formed through the outflowpuncturing cap 70. The outflow puncturing cap discharge conduit 84 isformed to receive fluid discharge from the pod that does not enter thespike internal channels, but rather is discharged about the puncturesformed after penetration of the pod lower surface by the outflowpuncturing cap spikes 77.

FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate the process by which the pod 20 is inserted intothe translating mechanism 100 and punctured by the inflow puncturing cap50 and the outflow puncturing cap 70. FIG. 7A shows the pod 20 insertedinto the translating mechanism pod receiving area 103. At shown at FIG.7A, the insertion of pod 20 within the pod receiving area 103 deflectsthe resilient guide member 121 downwardly such that the pod top 22slides along downwardly, along the upper surface of the guide member 121and towards well 104. As the inflow puncturing cap translates towardsthe well 104, the resilient guide member 121 is urged upwardly, beyondpod top rim 24 by abutting contact with collar 108 of the translatinginflow puncturing receiving apparatus 105 (See FIG. 6B). As shown atFIG. 7D, the resilient guide member 121, having been raised to aposition beyond the perimeter of the pod top rim 24, translates over thepod top rim as the inflow puncturing cap is retracted, and abuts againstthe pod sidewalls, urging the pod downwardly, and out of engagement withthe inflow puncturing cap spikes.

FIG. 7B shows the inflow puncturing cap in a fully translated position,wherein the pod 20 is fully seated within the pod outflow puncturing caphousing 107, with the pod base rim 35 resting upon the outflowpuncturing cap first surface and the pod lower surface disposedproximate the outflow puncturing cap spikes.

FIG. 7C illustrates a similar configuration, after the flow ofpressurized fluid into the pod 20 causes the pod lower surface to expandand press against the outflow puncturing cap spikes 77, causingpunctures in the lower surface of the pod 20. This allows the brewedfluid to be discharged from the pod 20

During retraction the inflow puncturing cap 50 initially remainsattached to the pod 20, as a result of frictional engagement between theinflow puncturing cap spikes 57 and the pod upper surface. FIG. 7D showsthe later stage of retraction of the inflow puncturing cap from theoutflow puncturing cap housing, wherein, as a result of downwardpressure on pod 20 by guide member 121, the pod 20 is disassociated fromthe inflow puncturing cap spikes

FIG. 7E illustrates a further retraction of the inflow puncturing cap 50which, in combination with the downward pressure of the resilient guideretention member 121, causes the pod 20 to fully disengage from theinflow puncturing cap spikes, and be discharged from the translatingmechanism 100.

As it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, thestiffness of the guide member 121, the size and shape of the input flowpuncturing spikes 57 and the stiffness/thickness of the pod top surface22 are selected such that the frictional engagement between the pod 20and the inflow puncturing cap spikes 57 is such as to facilitateretraction of the pod from the outflow puncturing cap housing, but stillallows the downward pressure of resilient guide/retention member 121 toovercome such frictional engagement as the inflow puncturing cap 50translates to a fully retracted position.

FIGS. 7A-7E also illustrate the manner in which fluid discharged fromthe pod is communicated to outflow puncturing cap conduit 85 and outflowpuncturing cap discharge port 87. As also shown at FIG. 4D, fluiddischarged from the pod 20 via spike internal conduit 79, enters conduit79 via entry port 81 and is discharged from the spike conduit 79 viaoutput port 83, whereupon the fluid flow enters outflow puncturing caphousing conduit 85, and is discharged from the outflow puncturing caphousing via discharge port 87.

Similarly, fluid discharged from the pod 20, that does enter the spikeinternal conduit 79, may be discharged through apertures formed in thepod lower surface by the outflow puncturing cap spikes, and also entersoutflow puncturing cap housing conduit 85, which communicates the flowto outflow puncturing cap housing discharge port 87.

FIG. 8A further illustrates the process of fluid flow into the pod 20.As shown at FIG. 8A, fluid enters the pod 20 when the inflow puncturingcap 50 translates to a position where it presses against the pod top 22,puncturing the pod top and allowing fluid flow into the pod 20 via thepunctures.

FIG. 8B illustrates the expansion of the pod in response to theintroduction of heated, pressurized fluid into the pod, causing abulging of the pod sidewalls and the pod lower surface. The bulging ofthe pod lower surface causes the pod lower surface to extend intoabutting engagement with the outflow puncturing cap spikes, causingpuncture of the pod lower surface by the outflow puncturing cap spikes.At that point, fluid is discharged from the pod via the spike channels,and through the outflow puncturing cap residual discharge conduit 84, asdescribed above.

As indicated above, the temperature and pressure of the solvent fluidinflow may be varied in accordance a preferred brewing period andbrewing temperature of a particular beverage. As will be apparent tothose skilled in the art, the thickness and thermoplastic materialcharacteristics of the material used to form the pod base may also bevaried so that the pod base will puncture once subjected to apredetermined fluid inflow pressure, fluid inflow, and inflowtemperature, for a desired brewing period. Similarly, the fluid inflowpressure may be varied to facilitate complete mixture of the fluidinflow solvent and the pod solute, during the preferred brewing period.

These and others modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art to facilitate use of the present invention inrelation to preparation of variety of different beverages. As such, thepresent invention is not intended to be limited to the pressure,temperature, brewing period or pod base material used in relation to theembodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for mixing and dispensing a beveragecomprising: a) a disposable pod containing a solute therein, the podcomprising a pod top defining a pod top surface, a pod top rim and a podbody defining sidewalls having a concave inner surface and a pod base,the pod base defining, a base lower surface and a base outer rimextending about the base lower surface, intermediate the base lowersurface and the sidewalls; b) an inflow puncturing cap having a firstand second surfaces and at least one solvent fluid receiving conduitextending therethrough, the inflow puncturing cap first surface defininga plurality of puncturing spikes extending therefrom; c) an outflowpuncturing cap defining a first and second surfaces, the outflowpuncturing cap first surface defining a plurality of puncturing spikesextending therefrom, the outflow puncturing cap spikes having a spikeinternal channel extending therethrough, the spike internal channeldefining a spike fluid entry port and a spike fluid discharge port; andd) a translation mechanism for receiving, and communicating a fluidsolvent through the pod, the translation mechanism defining: atranslation mechanism housing; a pod receiving area, formed in thetranslation mechanism housing, for receiving the pod; a translatableinflow puncturing cap receiving apparatus disposed within thetranslation mechanism housing, for receiving, supporting and translatingthe inflow puncturing cap; and an outflow puncturing cap housing forreceiving and supporting the outflow puncturing cap second surface, theoutflow puncturing cap housing defining a pod seating surface forseating the pod with the pod lower surface disposed proximate theoutflow puncturing cap spikes, and an outflow puncturing cap housingdischarge conduit for discharging fluid from the outflow puncturing caphousing; e) the translation mechanism first housing further defining apod translation assembly, mechanically coupled to the inflow puncturingcap, for translating the inflow puncturing cap between a first positionwherein the inflow puncturing cap spikes are disposed outside of the podand a second position wherein the inflow puncturing cap spikes puncturethe pod top surface and the pod lower surface is disposed proximate theoutflow puncturing cap spikes; f) the translation mechanism furtherdefining a translation mechanism solvent infusion port, in fluidcommunication with the inflow puncturing cap fluid receiving conduit,for communicating a heated, pressurized fluid solvent into the pod,after the pod top surface is punctured; g) the pod lower surface beingdeformable in response to receipt of the heated, pressurized solvent soas to expand and press against the outflow puncturing cap spikes,causing the outflow puncturing cap spikes to puncture the pod lowersurface, enabling fluid discharge from the pod.
 2. The system as recitedin claim 1 wherein the puncture of the pod top by the inflow puncturingcap spikes defines a plurality of pod fluid entry ports into the podthrough the pod top surface.
 3. The system as recited in claim 2 whereinthe pod defines a brewing chamber within the pod wherein the solventfluid entering the pod via the pod entry ports mixes with the pod solutewithin the pod, during a brewing period.
 4. The system as recited inclaim 4 wherein the inflow puncturing cap first surface further definesa plurality of inflow puncturing cap fluid distribution conduitsextending from the inflow puncturing cap fluid receiving conduits acrossthe inflow puncturing cap first surface, the inflow puncturing fluiddistribution conduits being in fluid communication with the translationmechanism solvent infusion port.
 5. The system as recited in claim 1wherein fluid within the pod is discharged through the outflowpuncturing cap spike internal channel.
 6. The system as recited in claim5 wherein the outflow puncturing cap housing fluid discharge conduit isin fluid communication with the spike internal channel.
 7. The system asrecited in claim 6 wherein the pod base is formed of materials selectedto be penetrable by the outflow puncturing cap spikes when subjected toa desired solvent fluid temperature and pressure level.
 8. The systemsas recited in claim 7 wherein the puncture of the pod lower surface bythe outflow puncturing cap spikes defines a plurality of pod fluiddischarge ports in the pod lower surface.
 9. The system as recited inclaim 8 wherein the outflow puncturing cap defines an output puncturingcap residual fluid discharge conduit for receiving fluid discharged fromthe pod through the pod fluid discharge ports, the residual fluiddischarge conduit being in fluid communication with the outflowpuncturing cap housing fluid discharge conduit.
 10. The system asrecited in claim 7 wherein the pod lower surface is formed to beproximately 900 micron thickness.
 11. The system as recited in claim 7wherein the pod lower surface is formed of a polypropylene.
 12. Thesystem as recited in claim 11 wherein the pod top is approximately 50micron thick.
 13. The system as recited in claim 7 wherein solvent fluidis heated to a temperature of approximately 90° C. and the pressurizedto approximately 217 psi.
 14. The system as recited in claim 7 whereinthe pod base is formed to define concave sidewalls and a pod bodydefines a pod recess area within the pod body intermediate the podsidewalls and the pod lower surface, the pod sidewalls and recess areacooperative to redirect fluid flow from the pod sidewalls inwardly andupwardly across within the pod, such that a redirected flow pathintersects downward fluid flow paths into the pod body, to enhancemixing of the fluid solvent and the pod solute within the pod.
 15. Thesystem as recited in claim 7 wherein the translation mechanismtranslates the inflow puncturing cap towards the pod top surface untilthe pod top rim is seated on the pod seating surface, with the pod lowersurface being disposed above the outflow receiving cap spikes.
 16. Thesystem as recited in claim 4 further including a pod resilient guidemember attached to the translation mechanism, the guide member beingdisplaceable upon insertion of a pod into the pod receiving area to abutagainst the pod top, to urge the pod towards the pod seating surface.17. The system as recited in claim 16 wherein as the translationmechanism translates the input flow puncturing cap from the firstposition to the second position, the resilient guide member abutsagainst the input puncturing cap receiving apparatus and is urgedupwardly thereby to a position above of the pod top.
 18. The system asrecited in claim 17 wherein as the translation mechanism translates theinflow puncturing cap from the second position to the first position,the pod top surface remains in frictional engagement with input flowpuncturing cap spikes, to translate the pod away from the pod seatingsurface.
 19. The system as recited in claim 18 wherein as thetranslation mechanism translates the inflow puncturing cap from thesecond position to the first position, the resilient guide member abutsagainst the pod sidewalls, urging the pod downwardly, out of frictionalengagement with the input flow puncturing cap, and out of thetranslation mechanism.
 20. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein thepod base rim extends vertically below the pod lower surface.